Ange’s Chat
Christmas is just around the corner and as 2019 draws to a close we are starkly reminded each day of the dire situation for so many people as the continuing drought wreaks havoc with the unprecedented bushfires blazing in much of NSW and Queensland. Fires are getting closer to our locality with news of outbreaks as close as Nelligen and North Batemans Bay. So please be prepared. Remember Tathra. Have a Fire Plan, clear areas around your house and check out the NSWRFS Website and ‘Fires near Me’ App.
This Thursday is our last meeting for the year; I have advised both Paul Stokes and Julie Bradley. Our Diary Dates show what a busy time we have ahead in the next few weeks. The Board has decided to resume our weekly meetings on Thursday 30 January which will be our Youth night.
The Beacon last week was published online but due to a technical glitch which even Frank has so far not been able to fathom, it could not be emailed. Your Beacon this week will probably come via a different means.
THIS WEEK: AGM
The Board meets at 5, followed by an earlier dinner and then the AGM at 7.15. The AGM will review the year and elect a new Board for President Elect Rolf Gimmel’s year in 2020/21. Rod Walker has previously emailed nomination forms for Board positions for 2020/21.
This week we will also express our thanks to the Golf Club, particularly to Paul and Julie.
OUT AND ABOUT
Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day
Sunday 22 December is the big combined Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs race day at Moruya Racecourse, the seventh one we have held in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club. This year’s project is funding a seven-seater community bus to be used by Meals on Wheels and Yumaro.
Our Club has been asked to help on the day with the bucket collection from cars as they arrive at the Race Course. Laurelle and Ange will do 11.30-12.45 when Rod and Bob will take over until 2.
This month is Rotary’s Foundation Month
You may have read the recent message from RI President Mark Maloney and the Foundation’s Chair Gary Huang which included an update on Polio. Our recent film night to raise funds for World Polio Day was one of over 5,600 events held around the world. (Many such as ours was not a registered event; the 5,600 were registered events).They noted that on 21 August, Nigeria marked three years without a case of wild poliovirus, and the World Health Organization’s African region could potentially be certified wild poliovirus-free next year… If that happens, it will be a tremendous achievement because the continent once suffered three quarters of all polio cases in the world.
Rotary Clubs of Australia Drought Appeal
The Rotary Clubs of Australia some time ago partnered with Channel 9, the Great Northern Brewing Co. and Bendigo Bank to raise funds and in-kind donations for drought affected communities across Australia. The appeal is administered by Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation.
“Ninety-nine per cent of NSW is in drought, as is South-East Queensland and parts of Victoria and South Australia,” said RI District External Relations Director 9800 Philip Archer. “Nationally, one quarter of Australian agriculture is in severe drought. This drought has really affected us all with its far-reaching effects. Nobody is immune. We should be in this together.
“Rotary is up for the challenge encouraging everyone, city-based or country, to make a donation––large or small – to help those struggling to get through. Farmers and farming families are doing it tough, and the flow-on effect to other businesses in drought affected communities is huge. Whatever help and financial support we can give, whatever small thing we can do now will help rural communities get back to normality quicker.”
Rotary along with representatives of drought affected communities will conduct a localised consultation process to understand the needs and assistance required for those directly impacted by the drought. This will define how funds are best allocated in supporting families and communities.
How to Make Donations
1. On line via the following link: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/rotarydrought
2. In person by visiting any branch of the Bendigo Bank:
3. Or by Cheque. Cheques to be made payable to “Community Enterprise Foundation” and posted to Community Enterprise Foundation, PO Box 480, Bendigo, VIC 3552
NEXT WEEK
Next Thursday, 19 December is our Christmas Party at the Inlet, 6 for 6.30pm.
Dates for your Diary
Thursday 12 Dec – Primary School Presentation Assembly
Friday 13 Dec- High School Presentation Assembly
Sat 21 Dec – Interviews for Tertiary Education Scholarship 2020
Sunday 22 Dec – Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day
Sun 26 January: Australia Day Market